Non-rectangular multistone jewelry

ABSTRACT

A non-rectangular multistone piece of jewelry is formed by a single generally rectangular cut center stone having four major sides, four truncated pie-shaped side stones, and a setting. Each side stone defines an arcuate side and an opposed truncated side, the arcuate side facing outwardly from the center stone and the truncated side facing inwardly toward the center stone.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to jewelry, and more particularly to a setting for a non-rectangular multistone jewelry.

[0002] It is known in the jewelry art to provide rectangular (e.g., square) multistone jewelry—that is, jewelry which is substantially rectangular in plan (e.g., peripheral outline). Typically each of the stones is rectangular (e.g., square), the stones frequently being identical in size and configuration. The stones typically are disposed in a matrix of 2×2, 3×3, or 2×3, although larger jewelry may have a greater number of rows and/or columns. In an appropriate setting using an invisible mounting, the plurality of small (and hence relatively inexpensive) stones may give the appearance of a single larger (and hence relatively more expensive) stone.

[0003] As far as can be ascertained, such earlier cluster or multistone jewelry was essentially rectangular (e.g., square) in plan. However, many people prefer jewelry which is non-rectangular in plan—for example, jewelry that is circular or oval. Thus, the need remains for non-rectangular multistone jewelry and a setting for use therein.

[0004] Accordingly, it is an object of one preferred embodiment of the present invention to provide non-rectangular multistone jewelry.

[0005] Another object is to provide in one preferred embodiment such multistone jewelry which is generally circular.

[0006] A further object is to provide a setting for use in such multistone jewelry.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It has now been found that the above and related objects of the present invention are obtained in a setting for a non-rectangular multistone piece of jewelry including a single center stone and four side stones. The single center stones is of a generally rectangular cut and has four major sides. The four sides stones are truncated pie-shaped stones. Each side stone defines an arcuate side and an opposed truncated side, the arcuate side facing outwardly from the center stone and the truncated side facing inwardly toward a respective major side of the center stone. The arcuate sides cumulatively form a non-rectangular outline. The setting comprises a generally rectangular body defining four sides, four corners, and a central generally rectangular aperture therein, as well as four outwardly projecting corner extensions and four spaced-apart peripheral prongs. The aperture is configured and dimensioned to receive therein a portion of the center stone. Each corner extension connects a respective one of the body corners and a respective one of the prongs, and each adjacent pair of the corner extensions and the one of the body sides therebetween are configured and dimensioned to receive a respective side stone.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the jewelry piece is generally circular. The center stone is square cut, and the side stones are identical. Preferably the prongs are equidistantly spaced, and the corner extensions extend diagonally from the body corners to the prongs. The body sides are substantially planar.

[0009] The present invention also encompasses a non-rectangular multistone piece of jewelry comprising the setting, the center stone, and the four side stones. The tables of the side stones and the center stone are preferably in a common plane, but the tables of the side stones may be inclined outwardly and downwardly relative to the table of the center stone.

[0010] The present invention further encompasses a setting for a generally circular multistone piece of jewelry comprising a rectangular body defining four sides, four corners, and a central rectangular aperture therein, as well as four outwardly projecting corner extensions and four equidistantly spaced circumferential prongs. The aperture is configured and dimensioned to receive therein a portion of a center stone. Each corner extension connects a respective body corner and a respective prong, and each adjacent pair of corner extensions and the body side therebetween are configured and dimensioned to receive a respective side stone.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0011] The above and related objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description of the presently preferred, albeit illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing wherein:

[0012]FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric view of a generally circular multistone piece of jewelry according to the present invention;

[0013]FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the assembled jewelry, rotated 45° from the view of FIG. 1;

[0014]FIG. 3 is a bottom plan thereof;

[0015]FIG. 4 is a top plan view thereof; and

[0016]FIG. 5 is a sectional view thereof taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 3.

[0017] For expository purposes and clarity of illustration, the stones are illustrated without faceting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] As used herein, the term “stone” refers to diamonds and other precious stones, semi-precious stones, and non-precious stones.

[0019] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, therein illustrated is non-rectangular multistone jewelry according to the present invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 10. As illustrated, the jewelry 10 is generally circular in plan or peripheral outline. As best seen in the view of FIG. 1, the jewelry 10 includes a single generally rectangular cut (here, square or “princess” cut) center stone, generally designated 12. The center stone 12 has four major sides 13 as well as a conventional table 14, girdle 16 and pavilion 18.

[0020] About the center stone 12 are four truncated pie-shaped side stones, generally designated 20. The side stones 20 are essentially identical. Each side stone 20 has four major sides 13 as well as a conventional table 14, girdle 16 and pavilion 18. However, each side stone 20 defines an arcuate side 24 and an opposed truncated side 26. The arcuate sides 24 face outwardly from the center stone 12, while the truncated sides 26 face inwardly towards the center stone 12. The arcuate sides 24 cumulatively form the non-rectangular outline of the jewelry.

[0021] Where the center stone 12 is not square cut, typically the side stones 20 are not essentially identical. In this instance, the resultant multistone jewelry 10 may or may not be circular in plan, depending on whether or not the side stones 20 are configured and dimensioned to compensate for the lack of squareness in the center stone 12—that is, whether the arcuate sides 24 of the side stones 20 cumulatively form a generally circular outline.

[0022] In one preferred embodiment the tables 14 of the center stone 12 and the side stones 20 are disposed in a common plane, as illustrated, while in another preferred embodiment the tables 14 of side stones 20 are inclined inwardly and outwardly relative to the table 14 of center stone 12.

[0023] Turning now to the setting, generally designated 30, the setting 30 comprises a generally rectangular body 32 having four sides 33, four corners 34 formed by the intersections of a pair of adjacent sides 33, and a generally rectangular central aperture 36 defined by the inner surfaces of the four sides 33 and extending through the center of body 32. The central aperture 36 is configured and dimensioned to receive therein a portion of the center stone 12, and in particular the pavilion 18 thereof. Where the center stone 12 is square cut (as illustrated), the body 32 and the body aperture 36 are square as well.

[0024] The setting 30 additionally includes four spaced apart peripheral prongs 40 and four outwardly projecting corner extensions 42. Each corner extension 42 connects a respective one of the body corners 34 and a respective one of the prongs 40, each corner extension 42 preferably extending diagonally from its respective body corner 34 to its respective prong 40. Where the center stone 12 is square cut and the side stones 20 are essentially identical, the prongs 40 are preferably equidistantly spaced along the circumference of the peripheral outline of the jewelry 10. (The prongs 40 are ignored for expository purposes in the description of the overall outline of the jewelry being circular, oval, or the like.)

[0025] Preferably the prongs 40 are cylindrical and extend both above and below the body 32. The prongs 40 are disposed at a slight angle to the body 32, converging below the body 32 and diverging above the body 32. While the upper end portions 44 of the prongs 40 play a role in positioning of the side stones 20 relative to the setting 30, the bottom end portions 46 serve to mount the setting body 32 on an intermediate member 48 and a base 50. The intermediate member 48 and base 50 are of hollow cylindrical configuration and may indeed be a single piece rather than two coaxially aligned separate pieces. Preferably the intermediate member 48 is vertically spaced below the body 32 so that light can enter underneath the various stones horizontally between the body 32 and intermediate member 48, vertically upwardly through the hollow centers of the cylindrical bodies 48, 50, or both ways. The intermediate member 48 acts as an underbezel or support, while the base 50 acts as a seat enabling the intermediate member 48 to be soldered or otherwise secured to a ring, brooch, pendent or like platform for the jewelry.

[0026] The stones 12, 20 are secured to the setting 30 using conventional techniques. A preferred mounting technique is the “invisible” mounting wherein the center stone 12 is step cut, preferably below the girdle 16, on all four major sides 13, and each side stone 20 is side cut on three of its four major sides 13, leaving only the arcuate side 24 without a step cut. This arcuate side 26 is full faceted. Inward peening (or swagging) of the inner surfaces of the central hole 36 into the step cuts on the center stone 12 secures the center stone 12 in position on the setting 30. Outward peening of the upper edges of the corner extensions 42 and body sides 33, optionally combined with peening inwardly of the upper end portions of the several prongs 40, secures the side stones 20 in position on the setting 30. As the setting 30 is non-deformable in ordinary use, the desired juxtaposition of the central stone 12 and side stones 20 is thereby fixed.

[0027] For expository purposes, the conventional aspects of mounting—such as the step cuts in the stones, the peening (or swagging) of the setting, and the bending of the prongs 40 along a bend line (see FIG. 5)—have not been illustrated in the drawing.

[0028] It is to be appreciated that in FIG. 3 (the top view of the jewelry 10), if conventional “invisible mounting” techniques are used, the setting body 32 and the corner extensions 42 are not visible (at least not readily visible) to a viewer from above. (What might appear to be these elements in FIG. 3 are rather the adjacent crown facets of the stones 12, 20.)

[0029] In the first embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the jewelry 10 is non-rectangular and, in fact, circular in outline. However, particular embodiments of the present invention may assume a variety of different non-rectangular configurations, including oval or elliptical. The side stones thereof may differ from one another in configuration and dimension.

[0030] To summarize, the present invention provides non-rectangular multistone jewelry, and in particular such jewelry which is generally circular. A setting for use in such multistone jewelry is also provided.

[0031] Now that the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail, various modifications and improvements thereon will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present invention is to be construed broadly and limited only by the appended claims, and not by the foregoing specification. 

I claim:
 1. A setting for a non-rectangular multistone piece of jewelry including: (A) a single generally rectangular cut center stone having four major sides, and (B) four truncated pie-shaped side stones, each side stone defining an arcuate side and an opposed truncated side, the arcuate side facing outwardly from the center stone and the truncated side facing inwardly toward a respective major side of the center stone, said arcuate sides cumulatively forming a non-rectangular outline; said setting comprising: (i) a generally rectangular body defining four sides, four corners, and a central generally rectangular aperture therein; (ii) four outwardly projecting corner extensions; and (iii) four spaced apart peripheral prongs; said aperture being configured and dimensioned to receive therein a portion of a center stone, each said corner extension connecting a respective one of said body corners and a respective one of said prongs, and each adjacent pair of said corner extensions and the one of said body sides therebetween being configured and dimensioned to receive a respective side stone.
 2. The setting of claim 1 wherein the center stone is square cut, and said body and said body aperture are square.
 3. The setting of claim 2 wherein the side stones are essentially identical, and said prongs are equidistantly spaced.
 4. The setting of claim 1 wherein said corner extensions extend diagonally from said body corners to said prongs.
 5. The setting of claim 1 wherein said body sides are substantially planar.
 6. The setting of claim 1 wherein said jewelry piece is generally circular.
 7. A setting for a generally circular multistone piece of jewelry including: (A) a single square cut center stone having four major sides, and (B) four essentially identical truncated pie-shaped side stones, each side stone defining an arcuate side and an opposed truncated side, the arcuate side facing outwardly from the center stone and the truncated side facing inwardly toward a respective major side of the center stone, said arcuate sides cumulatively forming a generally circular outline. said setting comprising: (i) a square body defining four planar sides, four corners, and a central square aperture therein; (ii) four outwardly projecting corner extensions; and (iii) four equidistantly spaced circumferential prongs; said aperture being configured and dimensioned to receive therein a portion of a center stone, each said corner extension diagonally connecting a respective one of said body corners and a respective one of said prongs, and each adjacent pair of said corner extensions and the one of said body sides therebetween being configured and dimensioned to receive a respective side stone.
 8. A non-rectangular multistone piece of jewelry comprising: (A) a single generally rectangular cut center stone having four major sides; (B) four truncated pie-shaped side stones, each side stone defining an arcuate side and an opposed truncated side, the arcuate side facing outwardly from said center stone and the truncated side facing inwardly toward a respective major side of said center stone, said arcuate sides cumulatively forming a non-rectangular outline; and (C) a setting including: (i) a generally rectangular body defining four sides, four corners, and a central generally rectangular aperture therein; (ii) four outwardly projecting corner extensions; and (iii) four spaced apart peripheral prongs; said aperture receiving therein a portion of said center stone, each said corner extension connecting a respective body corner and a respective prong, and each adjacent pair of corner extensions and a body side therebetween receiving a respective side stone.
 9. The jewelry of claim 8 wherein said center stone is square cut, and said body and said body aperture are square.
 10. The jewelry of claim 9 wherein said side stones are essentially identical, and said prongs are equidistantly spaced.
 11. The jewelry of claim 8 wherein said corner extensions extend diagonally from said body corners to said prongs.
 12. The jewelry of claim 8 wherein the tables of said side stones and said center stone are in a common plane.
 13. The setting of claim 8 wherein said body sides are substantially planar.
 14. The setting of claim 8 wherein said jewelry piece is generally circular.
 15. A generally circular multistone piece of jewelry comprising: (A) a single square cut center stone having four major sides; (B) four essentially identical truncated pie-shaped side stones, each side stone defining an arcuate side and an opposed truncated side, the arcuate side facing outwardly from said center stone and the truncated side facing inwardly toward a respective major side of said center stone, said arcuate sides cumulatively forming a generally circular outline; and (C) a setting including: (i) a square body defining four sides, four substantially planar sides, four corners and a central square aperture therein; (ii) four outwardly projecting corner extensions; and (iii) four equidistantly spaced circumferential prongs; said aperture receiving therein a portion of said center stone, each said corner extension diagonally connecting a respective body corner and a respective prong, and each adjacent pair of corner extensions and a body side therebetween receiving a respective side stone.
 16. A setting for a generally circular multistone piece of jewelry comprising: (A) a rectangular body defining four sides, four corners, and a central rectangular aperture therein; (B) four outwardly projecting corner extensions; and (C) four equidistantly spaced circumferential prongs; said aperture being configured and dimensioned to receive therein a portion of a center stone, each corner extension connecting a respective body corner and a respective prong, and each adjacent pair of corner extensions and the body side therebetween being configured and dimensioned to receive a respective side stone.
 17. The setting of claim 16 wherein said body and said body aperture are square.
 18. The setting of claim 16 wherein said corner extensions extend diagonally from said body corners to said prongs. 